Snakes of Georgia

Snakes are common across Georgia, even in urban and suburban areas. As development and population growth continue in Georgia, encounters between humans and snakes will increase.

Georgia is fortunate to have among the highest biodiversity of snakes in the United States with 46 species. Snakes can be found from the mountains of northern Georgia to the barrier islands along the Atlantic coast. The rich diversity of snake species makes Georgia ideal for observing and learning about snakes.

Prescribed fire is a critical and potent management tool for fire-dependent natural communities. It is one of the most effective, efficient and economical ways to manage Georgia’s forest lands and ecosystems while also minimizing the risk of wildfires. Prescribed fire is a safe way to apply a natural process that benefits habitat restoration and species recovery. It can affect the ecology of sites for decades, and is considered the only tool to spur the recovery of some endangered species.

The variety of native species found in Georgia is in part a reflection of the range of landscapes that make up the state. From the mixed forests and woodlands of the north Georgia mountains, to the low rolling hills of Central Georgia, to the swampy lowland, marshes and barrier islands of the coast, the state’s various ecosystems make Georgia the sixth most biologically diverse state in the Union.

Program History

In 2013 there was a change in Georgia law requiring that the ginseng harvest season starts on September 1, instead of on August 15.

The majority of states that permit the harvest and sale of American Ginseng have established a beginning harvest date of September 1. To improve consistency, reduce confusion and prevent potential illegal trade, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service urged all states to change the harvest season start date to September 1.